Private Therapists work with the NHS?

[Londonbound]

A couple of my carees are seeing private therapists, the NHS either just refuses or the waiting lists are so long and they need help now.

One has PTSD, but was just told by the crisis team to seek private councelling, however the private councellor said they don't deal with PTSD, need specialist Pyschotherapy.
Its weeks and weeks just to see a psychiatrist and then a long waiting list for therapy.

A couple of phone calls and starting seeing a private therapist almost instantly.

But I feel that my carees are missing out, the NHS can refer and provide multi disciplinary teams to deal with the whole issues-holistic approach.

Would it not make sense for the private therapists to work in conjunction with the NHS, share notes, correspond and communicate with other NHS professionals.

Often it isn't just mental health that is causing issues.

[Chris From The Gulag]

Would it not make sense for the private therapists to work in conjunction with the NHS, share notes, correspond and communicate with other NHS professionals.

The answer may lie with Data Protection.

What safeguards are in place IF NHS data is made available to these independent outfits ?

( Private therapists are not employed by the NHS ... merely picking up referrals to bail them out whenever needed. )

In turn , if there are problems , guess who has to sort them out ... OUR NHS.

If , however , a patient is referred to them by the NHS , such therapy falls under their remit ... and is free at the point of delivery.

Same when private hospitals are involved.

And ... NHS hospitals communicating with gp surgeries ?

Don't even think more on that one ?

[bowlingbun]

I asked my GP to refer me to an NHS therapist many years ago, I was told the waiting list was long, but at the time I couldn't afford private counselling.
I waited patiently for over a YEAR. During that time my GP retired, a new one started. When I asked him how much longer would I have to wait, I discovered I wasn't even on the waiting list!!!
A cautionary tale for others perhaps?

Personally, I think that if you go privately to get something that otherwise would be funded by the NHS, then the NHS should contribute something towards that treatment. It bugs me that to save my life I had to go private to have something done at a private hospital that NHS patients now get at that same hospital for free. Where is the justice?

[Chris From The Gulag]

Personally, I think that if you go privately to get something that otherwise would be funded by the NHS, then the NHS should contribute something towards that treatment. It bugs me that to save my life I had to go private to have something done at a private hospital that NHS patients now get at that same hospital for free. Where is the justice?

All in the main NHS MELTDOWN thread , BB.

[sunnydisposition]

In my area people can self refer there is a on line referral system. Is usually a 18 week wait list. But I kept ringing each week as there are many cancellations. I managed to get one within six weeks.

As with hospital consultants therapist etc are/can be both working NHS private. I tried private and was told I will see you under NHS. Which did happen.